Aligning Words and Thoughts for True Success

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Your Mouth and Mind

What you speak and what you meditate on are both crucial to your spiritual success. The words you declare over your life, and the thoughts you allow to take root in your mind, can either propel you forward or hold you back. God’s Word instructs us to keep His truth on our lips and in our hearts, so that our external conversations and our internal self-talk are aligned with His promises. When your mouth and your mind are governed by the Word, you set yourself up for the kind of good success that God desires for you. [01:35]

Joshua 1:8 (ESV)
"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."

Reflection: What is one negative thing you often say about yourself or your situation? How can you replace it today with a declaration from God’s Word?

Day 2: Consistency Between External Words and Internal Belief

It is not enough to say the right things in public if your private thoughts are filled with doubt and fear. True stability comes when your faith-filled words to others match the faith you speak to yourself, even in the quiet moments. Double-mindedness leads to instability and blocks the flow of God’s blessings, but when your internal and external conversations are united in faith, you become steadfast and unshakeable. [07:40]

James 1:5-8 (ESV)
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."

Reflection: In what area of your life do your private thoughts contradict your public declarations of faith? What step can you take today to bring your inner and outer words into agreement?

Day 3: The Authority of the Anointed Word

When you are anointed, the enemy will try to attack you, especially in your mind, but you have authority to speak God’s Word back to every lie. The power to break generational strongholds and defeat the enemy comes not just from knowing the Word, but from declaring it with conviction—throwing the book at the devil when he comes against you. Even if you only know one verse, use it boldly, because the authority is not in the quantity of verses but in the faith with which you speak them. [11:34]

Isaiah 54:17 (ESV)
"No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord."

Reflection: What is one promise from God’s Word you can declare out loud today when you feel attacked or discouraged?

Day 4: Faith That Perseveres Day and Night

Faith is not just for the good times; it must be spoken and believed in both the day and the night seasons of life. Like the woman with the issue of blood, it is what you say to yourself in the darkest moments that moves you toward breakthrough. Consistency in meditating on and speaking God’s Word, regardless of circumstances, is the key to enduring faith and lasting success. [16:14]

Mark 5:25-28 (ESV)
"And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. For she said, 'If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.'"

Reflection: When you face a “night season,” what is one truth from God’s Word you can hold onto and repeat to yourself until you see breakthrough?

Day 5: Renewing Your Mind for True Success

Lasting transformation and true success come from feeding and renewing your mind with God’s Word, not conforming to the patterns of the world. When you prioritize time in Scripture, you align your thoughts with God’s will and discover His perfect plan for your life. Make it your aim to let the Word be the governor over your mind and mouth, so that your life reflects the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. [18:56]

Romans 12:2 (ESV)
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can prioritize renewing your mind with Scripture this week, and how will you make it a daily habit?

Sermon Summary

The journey to good success begins with the alignment of our mouths and our minds. Drawing from Joshua 1:8, the importance of both what we speak and what we meditate on is emphasized. The words we declare, both to others and to ourselves, have the power to either propel us forward or hold us back. God’s instruction to Joshua was clear: keep the Word in your mouth and meditate on it day and night. This is not just about external conversations, but also about the internal dialogue that shapes our faith and actions.

Too often, spiritual nourishment is limited to brief moments—perhaps a single sermon or a quick social media post—leaving us spiritually malnourished and weak. Just as physical strength cannot be sustained on one meal a week, spiritual strength requires consistent, daily engagement with God’s Word. Familiarity with Scripture is essential; it is the standard by which we discern truth and remain aligned with God’s will. The more we immerse ourselves in the Word, the more it becomes a natural part of our thinking and speaking.

There is a vital connection between what we say outwardly and what we believe inwardly. When these are out of sync, instability follows. James warns that a double-minded person is unstable in all their ways, and this instability undermines both prayer and faith. Authentic faith is not just about saying the right things in public or on social media; it’s about believing and declaring those truths in private, especially in moments of darkness or difficulty.

The enemy targets those who are anointed, seeking to undermine their confidence and sow doubt, particularly after they have poured themselves out for others. The response is not silence or resignation, but a bold declaration of God’s truth—even if it’s just one verse. The story of the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5 illustrates the power of internal confession; her breakthrough came not from what she said to others, but from what she continually told herself, day and night, in both good times and bad.

Consistency is key. Whether in seasons of abundance or lack, promotion or setback, the same God remains faithful. Success, as God defines it, is found in the continual renewal of the mind and the alignment of our words with His Word. This is how we discern His will and walk in true prosperity.

Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Alignment Between Mouth and Mind True success is rooted in the congruence between what we say to others and what we say to ourselves. When our external declarations and internal meditations are both informed by God’s Word, we become stable and effective. Instability arises when there is a disconnect, leading to double-mindedness and spiritual weakness. [06:43]
2. Spiritual Strength Requires Consistent Nourishment Just as the body cannot thrive on one meal a week, the spirit cannot flourish on sporadic encounters with Scripture. Regular, daily engagement with the Word is essential for spiritual vitality and discernment. Familiarity with God’s standard enables us to recognize when we are out of alignment and empowers us to live according to His will. [04:21]
3. Internal Dialogue Determines Breakthrough The most significant battles are often won or lost in the private conversations we have with ourselves. The woman with the issue of blood experienced healing because she continually spoke faith to herself, not just to others. Our internal confessions, especially in seasons of darkness, are critical to experiencing God’s promises. [15:35]
4. Authenticity Over Imitation in Spiritual Authority Speaking the right words without genuine belief is ineffective, as seen in the story of the sons of Sceva. Authority in the spiritual realm comes from a heart and mind that truly believe and are aligned with God’s truth, not from mimicking the actions or words of others. The enemy recognizes authenticity and responds accordingly. [14:28]
5. Consistency in Faith Through All Seasons Faith is not seasonal or circumstantial; it must be steadfast in both day and night, in abundance and in lack. Success comes from maintaining the same confession and trust in God regardless of external circumstances. This consistency is the mark of maturity and the pathway to discerning and living in God’s perfect will.

** [17:57]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:19] - Opening Declaration and Prayer
[01:18] - Joshua 1:8: The Foundation of Success
[01:35] - The Power of Your Mouth and Mind
[02:18] - Watch Your Mouth, Feed Your Mind
[03:13] - The Order of Manifestation: Spoken and Fulfilled
[03:50] - The Problem of Spiritual Malnourishment
[04:40] - Practical Steps to Engage the Word
[05:46] - The Marriage of External and Internal Conversations
[06:43] - Double-Mindedness and Instability
[09:16] - The Anointing and Spiritual Attack
[10:54] - Responding to the Enemy with the Word
[12:17] - Authenticity in Speaking God’s Word
[14:28] - The Sons of Sceva: Authority and Belief
[15:35] - The Woman with the Issue of Blood: Internal Confession
[16:34] - Speaking the Word in Day and Night
[17:57] - Consistency in Faith and Success
[18:56] - Renewing the Mind for Transformation
[19:42] - The Blood and Mental Health
[20:30] - Invitation to Respond and Next Steps
[22:34] - Service Transition and Closing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Joshua 1:8 (ESV) — > This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

James 1:6-8 (ESV) — > But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Mark 5:25-28 (ESV) — > And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.”

Observation Questions

According to Joshua 1:8, what two actions are we commanded to take with God’s Word, and what is the promised result?
In James 1:6-8, what does James say happens to a person who is double-minded?
In Mark 5, what did the woman with the issue of blood keep saying to herself, and how did that affect her actions?
The sermon described the difference between what we say to others and what we say to ourselves. What are some examples the pastor gave of this difference? [[06:43]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God told Joshua to keep the Word both in his mouth and in his mind, not just one or the other? How does this relate to the idea of “alignment” in the sermon? [[01:18]]
What does it mean to be “double-minded,” and how can this instability affect our prayers and faith, according to James and the sermon? [[07:10]]
The woman in Mark 5 experienced breakthrough not just by what she said to others, but by what she kept telling herself. Why is our internal dialogue so important for our faith journey? [[15:35]]
The sermon mentioned the sons of Sceva (Acts 19) as an example of speaking the right words without true belief. What does this teach us about authenticity and spiritual authority? [[14:28]]

Application Questions

The pastor said, “If you eat one meal a week, it is impossible for that to impact your strength.” How often do you personally engage with God’s Word outside of Sunday? What is one step you can take this week to increase your spiritual nourishment? [[04:21]]
Think about the last time your words to others didn’t match what you were saying to yourself. What was the result? How can you work on aligning your external and internal conversations with God’s Word? [[06:43]]
The sermon challenged us to speak God’s truth not just in public, but especially in private moments of darkness or difficulty. Is there a specific area in your life right now where your internal dialogue needs to change? What is one verse you can start declaring over that situation? [[12:17]]
The pastor said, “You gotta say to yourself the same thing you say when you... Faith is the same wherever I go.” What are some practical ways you can practice consistency in your faith, both in good times and in hard times? [[08:55]]
When the enemy attacks your mind with doubt or discouragement, how do you usually respond? What would it look like for you to “throw the book” at the enemy, as the pastor described? [[11:09]]
The sermon emphasized that spiritual authority comes from authenticity, not imitation. Are there areas where you’ve been “saying the right things” but not truly believing them? How can you move toward greater authenticity in your faith? [[14:28]]
The woman in Mark 5 kept speaking faith to herself for years before her breakthrough. Is there a promise from God you need to keep declaring, even if you haven’t seen results yet? How can the group support you in this? [[15:35]]

Sermon Clips

The A clause is what you're saying to others. The B clause is what you're saying to yourself. He says, I need both of those conversations to consistently be informed by the word. Because when you watch this, when you talk one thing in church, but you talk another thing to yourself. James says you're double minded and you're unstable in all your way. [00:06:41] (24 seconds) #ConsistentWordPower

You can nullify something you say to God because of what you say to yourself. God, you will make a way. I don't think we going to make it. Is you done? And the Bible says you're unstable in all your ways and you cannot have success and be unstable. And many people are unstable in their minds and their words. You are spiritually schizophrenic because in church you all about the Lord. Oh God will make a way somehow. When you post on Social media, you be posting stuff that's all powerful. And then when you turn your phone off, now you want to commit suicide if. Am I telling the truth? [00:07:32] (43 seconds) #SpeakFaithToSelf

You gotta learn how to say the same thing to people that you say to yourself. You gotta say to yourself the same thing you say when you. Faith is the same. Wherever I go. You gotta be able to say the same thing. Are y' all listening to me? Because when you're inconsistent like that, you can't. You. [00:08:45] (19 seconds) #AnointingBreaksYokes

``The devil hates anointed people. I mean, the devil hates everybody, but he really, really can't stand you. And the reason why he can't stand you is because he knows, see you. The anointing breaks the yoke. The Bible says that anointing breaks a yoke. Let me explain what that means. People have been yoked up for generations. Stuff has been tied up in their family. It can be alcoholism, it can be drug addiction. It can be. It can be some kind of sexual perversion or, or incest or something. It could be some stronghold of fear or some inability to be educated. And you can step into that situation with an anointing and break that over somebody's the devil been working for 200 years on this family, that this family will always be on drugs. This family will always be on welfare. This family will always be impoverished. And one word from an anointed person can break that whole yoke off of that family. [00:09:16] (58 seconds) #StandFirmAgainstAttacks

You can't throw the book if you don't know the book. Thank God I got bars today. Thank you for the book. You got to learn how to speak. When you at home and you having authority, it don't mean the devil ain't going to attack your mind. Sure, he going to attack your mind, Especially your mind. You got to speak back to it. You got to answer it. Don't get quiet when the devil tries to take you, turn you dark, you speak back to him. You a liar, devil. I don't care if you know one scripture. Work that one, Work that one. [00:11:45] (37 seconds) #SpeakTruthToSelf

But you also have to understand that sometimes you can say something out your head, but not really believe it in your heart. That's why I don't work. So you try to do what you saw somebody else doing. It don't work because you ain't really believe it. It's like the sons of Sceva in Acts, chapter 19. They. They saw Paul casting demons out of people. So they follow Paul on Instagram and they watch his YouTube videos, and they like, man, we can do this. We can do this. This is how we do it. They started rehearsing, and then they ran up on a demon for real, Paul. They ran up on a demon for real. And then they tried to. Paul, they tried to video, you know, the manual. And then they spoke to the demon. And the demon could recognize the right words of the wrong people. And the demon said, paul, we know. And Jesus, we know, but who. Who are you? Because you're saying the right thing, but you don't mean it. That's why the devil is tearing you up. You saying all the right stuff, but you gotta mean it. It's gotta be married in your head and in your heart. [00:13:39] (70 seconds) #FaithInActionHeals

Get your mind right. You feed your mind and your thoughts with the Word. Bible says, don't be conformed to this world. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. You know how you get to success? Because that's how you're gonna find out what God's will is. His perfect will. That's success. [00:18:44] (27 seconds) #FaithOverMentalStruggles

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